Naruto: Ninja Destiny (Naruto: Shinobi Retsuden in Japan) is a 3D fighting video game developed by Dream Factory and published by Takara TOMY for the Nintendo DS video game console. The fighting is set on an infinite-scrolling stage, much like the earlier Tekken games. The touch screen has six large buttons which are used to activate special effects and use items.[2] The gameplay and graphics are similar to the Naruto: Clash of Ninja series of fighting games on the Nintendo Gamecube although having an extremely low character selection.
The Japanese version of the game has been given bad reviews due to slow frame rates and poor graphics. The English version of the game however has an improved frame rate and cel shaded graphics.
There are eight stages in this game and two different difficulty settings. There is a story mode, an arcade mode, a single match battle mode, and local mode.
In the newest issue of Shonen Jump, it was revealed that the game will be released in America on February 26, 2008. The game will have additional features over the Japanese version, such as new characters, outfits, special attacks, and "Help Items". In addition, the US/PAL versions received a cel-shaded graphical enhancement and feature a much faster frame rate.
The game follows the Naruto storyline up until episode 135. Characters include Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Rock Lee, Neji, Shikamaru, Kakashi, Guy, Gaara, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade, Itachi, Temari, Sasuke Cursed Seal Level 2, and One Tailed Naruto. Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade are exclusive to the US/European version. Strangely in the US version, though Shikamaru wears his Chunin vest from the Sasuke Retrieval Arc, Gaara and Temari wear the outfits they were seen in during the Invasion Of Konoha Arc
Note: Curse Seal 2 Sasuke is removed from the European version of the game, owing to the fact that the European screenings had still to get through the Tsunade Decision Arc. As a side result of this, the credits were also removed due to the presence of Curse Seal 2 Sasuke.
The European version also has no voice track whatsoever.
The US version of the game has received generally positive reviews, with IGN noting it as "a huge step in the right direction for Naruto DS games."